Synopsis
When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna turns regret into re-set by going back to college... landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who's not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna – now Dee Rock – embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected.
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Cast
- Melissa McCarthyDeanna Miles
- Molly GordonMaddie Miles
- Gillian JacobsHelen
- Maya RudolphChristine Davenport
- Matt WalshDan Miles
- Julie BowenMarcie Strong
- Stephen RootMike Cook
- Jacki WeaverSandy Cook
- Jessie EnnisDebbie
- Debby RyanJennifer
Recommendations
- 75
Entertainment Weekly
A charming and generally painless way to spend two hours. It’s not nearly as sharp as some of the best stuff she’s done, but it’s pointedly kinder too, wrapping even its nastiest characters. - 63
The Seattle Times
It’s bland and forgettable, and director Falcone still hasn’t figured out how not to sabotage his supporting cast (why hire the hilarious Chris Parnell if you’re not going to let him be funny?), but it’s a movie a lot like the presence of McCarthy herself — there’s an inner sweetness that shines through. - 63
Chicago Tribune
The movie’s not as slapstick-dependent as advertised. It’s a less coarse and more heartfelt project than McCarthy’s disappointing headliner gigs, such as “Tammy” and “The Boss.” (The Paul Feig-directed comedies “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat” and “Spy” are far better.) The new movie renders matters of directorial finesse and comic technique essentially irrelevant. - 58
The Playlist
Maybe if the film had dwelled on its more off-color scenes instead of falling back on typical comedy fodder, it would be truly magnetic. Unfortunately, it’s more like a sloppy friend who, despite starting the night off full of joie de vivre, you now have to help stumble home. - 50
Boston Globe
Thoroughly vanilla comedy, a movie jammed with well-meaning girl power messages but surprisingly little edge. - 50
Arizona Republic
It’s a movie devoid of storytelling momentum, conflict and, worst of all, much in the way of laughs. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
The film is a cream puff about a mother-daughter relationship, masquerading as a raucous return-to-campus comedy, most of it predictable. - 50
Slant Magazine
Novelty and Melissa McCarthy’s comedic chops only carry Life of the Party to midterms, and it soon becomes apparent that it’s a star vehicle without any engine.
